With all the reality shows on TV today, sometimes it seems as though the truth is stranger than fiction. And just when we think we've seen it all, yet another new reality show appears on the networks, usually more outlandish and riskier than the last. From eating worms to living on an island, from meeting your true love or watching superstar newlyweds spat, from becoming famous or getting a job; it's all on there and it's all, supposedly, real. But there is one reality show on TV that is truly real and is a pleasure to watch. It's not about shock value, getting the best of someone else, or winning. The show is Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is a show where a group of carpenters, designers, and decorators descend on a family in need and give their home a much-needed make-over. Every day, people all over the country send letters to the television network, asking if they might be considered for a home makeover. The show and network always choose someone or some family who is struggling with no hope of making things better for themselves; often a young family which has lost a parent, a family with a member struggling from a debilitating or terminal illness, or a family which has been through a crisis like a fire or other major disaster. The show chooses one family and gives them the home makeover in a week's time.
The show begins with the lovable Ty Pennington leading his trusty crew on a large bus to the family in question. Unbeknownst to the family, the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition crew wakes them up early in the morning and sends them off on a special vacation to Disney World, the Bahamas, or some other exotic location. There are always tears and gratitude as the family realizes what's happening and is sent on their way.
During the period of seven days, the crew completely changes the look of the home, often just leveling the one that was there and building a new one. They are very sensitive to personal belongings and special mementos as they re-do the home and redecorate. Everything that goes into the home is fresh, new and beautiful. New furniture, appliances, accessories, carpet, floors, everything. We, the viewers, get to see the reality of this project as mishaps occur, tempers sometimes flare, and frustrations get the best of some of the workers. But we also watch as communities rally together to help the crew. Sports teams, general contractors, city workers and others descend on the home and help out. Many times community members donate money, automobiles, and college funds to the family.
At the end of the show, the family is brought back to see their new home. This is where the shock value is part of this show - the family is always shocked to see what has been done. They are given a tour through their home, and many hugs and kisses are passed all around. Recently, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was said to be the reality show with heart. I would have to agree.
